despite this

USAGE SUMMARY

"despite this" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to introduce a statement that contrasts with what has just been said or discussed. For example: "John argued that the plan would fail, but despite this, I still believe it to be worth a try."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite this, his ability shone.

Independent

Despite this, though, Peter Hyman.

Independent

Despite this, inflation has fallen.

The Economist

Despite this, the coalition will hold together.

The Economist

Despite this, the waters are warming.

The New York Times

Despite this relief, the crisis intensified.

The Economist

Despite this provocation, war did not follow.

The New York Times - Books

Despite this, Ms. Tryon does not flag.

The New York Times

Despite this care, dangers are growing.

The Economist

Despite this negative picture, I am optimistic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite this, Denton has never voted.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the statement following "despite this" genuinely contrasts with the preceding information. This avoids logical inconsistencies and strengthens the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "despite this" when the following statement is merely an extension of the previous one, rather than a contrasting point. Overusing it can weaken its impact, so reserve it for genuine contradictions or surprises.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "despite this" functions as an adverbial phrase. It typically introduces a clause that presents a contrast or concession to a preceding statement, indicating that something is true or happens regardless of the previous information. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and the examples in Ludwig clearly demonstrate the function of "despite this".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "despite this" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to introduce contrasting information. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, primarily within news, media and wiki sources. While it is a common phrase, it's important to ensure that the information that follows genuinely offers a contrast to the preceding statement. Alternatives like "nevertheless", "even so", and "in spite of that" can also be used depending on the desired formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in spite of that

More explicitly refers back to the preceding statement, emphasizing the contrast.

however

A simple and direct way to introduce a contrasting point.

nevertheless

A formal alternative to "despite this", conveying a sense of contrast or contradiction.

nonetheless

Similar to "nevertheless", but can sometimes imply a weaker contrast.

even so

Indicates a concession, similar to "despite this", but often used to emphasize the unexpected nature of the subsequent statement.

yet

A concise way to indicate a contrast or unexpected situation.

even with that

Highlights the presence of something that would usually prevent the following action or state.

that being said

Often used to introduce a contrasting or qualifying statement after acknowledging a previous point.

all the same

Emphasizes that something remains true or will happen despite a conflicting factor.

regardless

Indicates that something will happen or be true irrespective of what has been mentioned before.

FAQs

How can I use "despite this" in a sentence?

"Despite this" is generally used to introduce a contrasting statement, such as: "The weather was terrible; "despite this", we had a great time".

What are some alternatives to "despite this"?

Alternatives include "nevertheless", "even so", and "in spite of that", which can be used to introduce a contrasting point or unexpected outcome.

Is there a difference between "despite this" and "in spite of this"?

The phrases "despite this" and "in spite of this" are very similar and often interchangeable. Both indicate that something occurs or is true even though there might be reasons for it not to be.

Can I use "despite this" at the beginning of a paragraph?

Yes, "despite this" can effectively begin a paragraph to signal a shift in perspective or to introduce a counterargument to the previous discussion.